Thinking about getting a 444xlr

[dale]

I've been wanting to get a big bore lever action. I think I want a 444xlr but im not sure about the recoil due to a shoulder injury. How does a 444xlr compare to a 12ga 1 1/8 3 dram trap load? I shoot 50 rounds of trap a week no problem. I do reload a plan on using ranchdog cast bullets. Also I have a sdt 30-30 that i might put up for trade for one in the classifieds.

[DWB]

If you are shooting from a bench, the recoil of the .444 will get your attention. If you are shooting from positions, the recoil from a .444 is probably no worse than your 12 Ga... If you reload, you can tailor your loads to suit your needs, but be fore-warned, lighter bullets (240 grains or so) zipping along at 2,300 to 2,400 fps hurt just as bad, if not worse, than 265 gr bullet at 2,275 fps.

My .444XLR is one of those rifles that will never be sold or traded by me - - perhaps by some kid that gets it after I am worm poo, but not by me.

[mogwai]

I think a stainless big bore Marlin is one of the greatest hunting guns ever conceived.

[dale]

Thats what i waa thinking I can Taylor my loads. i won't shoot past 100 yards with open sights and I can always go hotter if needed.

[rooterpig]

My kids have been shooting my 444xlr for 4 years. They are 16 and 17 now. Ranch dog 265 and 300.

[336ER]

Looking at recoil numbers on the Guns & Shooting Online site, the recoil of a standard factory 240gr load for the .444 will recoil very nearly the same as a standard 180gr load in a 30/06. In like weight rifles of, say 7.5 pounds the recoil energy is basically exactly the same at about 22 FPE for the '06 and 23 FPE for the .444. A 265 LE load or 265gr Superformance load would carry a bit more recoil than the 240gr Remington factory load.

[MGSchindel]

When on the bench at the range shooting a large number of rounds, I use limbsaver slip-on recoil pads, and sometimes just roll up a hand towel and hang it over my shoulder as a little additional "cushion" behind the limbsaver. The 444 presents no real abuse to the shouder, kicking about the same as my 30-06 bolt guns. It seems less than my 12g shotguns, when shooting offhand in the field. To protect an injury, you could also use a Past magnum recoil pad, to further shield your shoulder from felt recoil.

My 444XLR and 1895XLR 45/70 are my softest shooting Marlin rifles in those two calibers. The extra barrel length/weight, the pistol grip stock, the pachmayr decelerator recoil pad, etc, all add up to a slightly more polite rifle, and accuracy is excellent. Same holds true with my 336XLR 35 Rem.

Go for it!

[rooterpig]

You guys do know there's a down side to a 444 marlin ? Your blood trailing skills will diminish because of the bang flop syndrome .

[336ER]

You guys do know there's a down side to a 444 marlin ? Your blood trailing skills will diminish because of the bang flop syndrome .

So true!! I first noted this particular phenomenon when I started hunting with the .35 Whelen.

[MGSchindel]

I only hunt with my 444's and 35's.

What's a "blood trail"?